U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Victim Rights

Enhancing Law Enforcement Response to Victims (link is external)

This OVC-funded strategy introduces law enforcement leaders to the benefits, challenges, methods, and responsibilities for enhancing their response to victims of crime. The goal of Enhancing Law Enforcement Response to Victims program is to—

  • create community-wide trust and confidence in the police,
  • foster the healing process for victims, and
  • produce stronger, more comprehensive cases for law enforcement.

U.S. Department of Justice: Victim Notification System (VNS)

This free, automated system provides important information to victims of crime in federal cases. In many cases, victims will receive letters/emails generated through VNS containing information about the events pertaining to their case or any defendants in the case.

National Crime Victim Law Institute: Rights in Systems Enforced Project (link is external)

This OVC-funded project supports a national network of legal clinics that provide legal representation to assist victims in asserting and seeking enforcement of their rights in criminal cases, and, as necessary during and in support of such representation, provide those victims representation on collateral civil legal matters arising from the victimization.

U.S. Department of State: Services for Victims

The U.S. Department of State assists U.S. citizens who become victims of crime while abroad.

  • Overseas: consular officers, agents, and staff work with crime victims and help them with the local police and medical systems.
  • Domestically: the office of Overseas Citizens Services will stay in touch with family members in the U.S. and help provide U.S.-based resources for the victim when possible.

National Center for Victims of Crime (link is external)

The National Center for Victims of Crime is a nonprofit organization that advocates for victims’ rights, trains professionals who work with victims, and serves as a trusted source of information on victims’ issues. 

Legal Services Corporation (LSC)

LSC is a private, non-profit corporation established by Congress in 1974. LSC makes grants to independent local programs across the country to provide civil legal services to Americans without considerable financial means. The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 granted the LSC the responsibility to extend program services to those eligible for T and U Visas.

Polaris Project (link is external)

Polaris Project's comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking includes conducting direct outreach and victim identification, providing social services and transitional housing to victims, operating the National Human Trafficking Hotline(link is external), advocating for state and Federal anti-trafficking legislation, and engaging community members in local and national grassroots efforts.